Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Oh Boy, Another Godess Recruit!

Jonna, there are several websites that offer free patterns. My favorite is: Lion Brand

Just check for the notation on the pattern as to whether it's "Easy," "Intermediate" or "Advanced." Starting with mittens is pretty gutsy; I'd go for an afghan or something flat that doesn't require increasing and decreasing -- OR calculating your gauge!

Hmmmm..... "adjusted to size"? Okay, now you're asking for a bit much. While it's an easy concept, it's difficult for a beginner due to various yarn sizes. You need to get your gauge right; that's crucial.

You didn't indicate how much knitting experience you have. Do you know how to alter a pattern? If so, then here's the way you adjust for sizes:

Lets say you're knitting a sweater. First, measure your chest, then add a few inches for some fullness (5 inches is usually minimum). Lets say you end up with 40. Obviously you will need to knit up a piece that measures 40 inches, and since you're knitting a front and a back, you divide 40 by two and come up with -- you guessed it -- 20. Thus, you need a finished product for each side that measures 20 inches.

You with me so far?

Okay, now knit up a swatch, using the yarn you've chosen and the needle size that's called for in the pattern, and knitting the stitch called for (usually a "stockinette"). Make a five-inch or six-inch square. Then remove the piece off the needles and lay it flat on a table. Measure the number of stitches and the number of inches. How many stitches are you getting per inch? If it's 12 stitches on four inches, then how many stitches are you getting per inch? Multiply that number (3) by 20, because you want to end up with 20 inches, right? Okay, that's the number you will need to work on. But it's NOT the number you cast on. Remember, you need to increase after you do your ribbing.

Is any of this making sense to you? I won't go any further on the instructions because I don't want to get you confused. First, pick out a pattern you like, make sure it's "EASY." Then, come back here and give us the website and the pattern number, and we can help you some more.

Ain't this fun?!

Bevvy

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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy

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